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Hybrid oxide coatings generate stable Cu catalysts for CO2 electroreduction
Active and stable catalysts to accelerate the transition from fossil fuel to renewable feedstocks, reduce energy consumption and minimize environmental footprints are needed. Electrocatalysts based on copper nanocrystals encapsulated in hybrid alumina shells stable against structural reconstruction during CO2 electroreduction are reported.
- Petru P. Albertini
- , Mark A. Newton
- & Raffaella Buonsanti
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Article |
Fe–Ni-based alloys as highly active and low-cost oxygen evolution reaction catalyst in alkaline media
NiFe-based oxo-hydroxides are active for the oxygen evolution reaction but suffer from complex synthesis and durability when deposited. Easily processable Fe–Ni alloys with a highly active oxo-hydroxide surface are now shown to pave the way for oxygen-evolving electrodes for alkaline water electrolysers.
- Lucile Magnier
- , Garance Cossard
- & Marian Chatenet
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Article |
Optimizing hierarchical membrane/catalyst systems for oxidative coupling of methane using additive manufacturing
Membrane/catalyst systems in the oxidative coupling of methane are promising for their high product selectivity but suffer from low volumetric chemical conversion rates, high capital cost and optimizing performance. A dual-layer additive manufacturing process, based on phase inversion, is now proposed to optimize a hollow-fibre membrane/catalyst system.
- James Wortman
- , Valentina Omoze Igenegbai
- & Suljo Linic
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News & Views |
A catalyst for low-temperature CO2 activation
A low-valence carbon-doped ruthenium oxide-based catalytic material achieved a catalytic trinity of superior activity, selectivity and stability during the conversion of carbon dioxide into methane at low temperatures.
- Xin Zhang
- & Abhishek Dutta Chowdhury
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Article |
High quantum efficiency of hydrogen production from methanol aqueous solution with PtCu–TiO2 photocatalysts
Liquid water reforming of methanol is a promising method for on-demand hydrogen production. An atomic-level catalyst design strategy, using synergy between single atoms and nanodots, is now shown to demonstrate a high quantum efficiency for hydrogen production.
- Hui Wang
- , Haifeng Qi
- & Junwang Tang
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News & Views |
Measuring the potential of zero charge
A second-harmonic generation approach enables the direct measurement of the potential of zero charge at electrochemical interfaces.
- Jan Rossmeisl
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Article |
Optical method for quantifying the potential of zero charge at the platinum–water electrochemical interface
The electric field created at an electrode–electrolyte interface can polarize the electrode’s surface and nearby molecules. Although its effect can be countered by an applied potential, quantifying the value of this potential is difficult. An optical method for determining the potential of zero charge at an electrochemical interface is now presented.
- Pengtao Xu
- , Alexander D. von Rueden
- & Jin Suntivich
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News & Views |
A large library for tiny catalysts
Atomically dispersed catalysts show great promise, but their design is challenging. A library of catalysts spanning 37 elements was created to uncover unified principles for catalyst design.
- Ziyi Chen
- , David Morris
- & Peng Zhang
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Article |
A single-atom library for guided monometallic and concentration-complex multimetallic designs
Single-atom catalysts demonstrate enhanced catalytic properties, but most systems only explore combinations of a few different metals. Here, a library of 37 different elements is investigated, and it is shown that loading 12 metallic atoms in one system presents improved electrochemical activity.
- Lili Han
- , Hao Cheng
- & Huolin L. Xin
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News & Views |
Two become one
Double-shelled hollow spheres comprising of different catalytic materials are shown to enhance the efficiency of catalytic processes for the selective conversion of hydrogen and carbon monoxide to gasoline.
- Michael Claeys
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Article |
An efficient nickel hydrogen oxidation catalyst for hydroxide exchange membrane fuel cells
Hydroxide exchange membrane fuel cells are promising as an energy conversion technology, but require platinum group metal electrocatalysts for their application. A Ni-based hydrogen oxidation reaction catalyst is now shown to exhibit unprecedented electrochemical performance.
- Weiyan Ni
- , Teng Wang
- & Xile Hu
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Article |
3D-printed hierarchical pillar array electrodes for high-performance semi-artificial photosynthesis
Wiring photosynthetic biomachineries to electrodes is promising for sustainable bio-electricity and fuel generation, but designing such interfaces is challenging. Aerosol jet printing is now used to generate hierarchical pillar array electrodes using indium tin oxide nanoparticles for high-performance semi-artificial photosynthesis.
- Xiaolong Chen
- , Joshua M. Lawrence
- & Jenny Z. Zhang
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Article |
Tunable metal hydroxide–organic frameworks for catalysing oxygen evolution
The oxygen evolution reaction is central to making chemicals and energy carriers using electrons. Metal hydroxide–organic frameworks are shown to act as a tunable catalytic platform for oxygen evolution, with π–π interactions dictating stability and transition metals modulating activity.
- Shuai Yuan
- , Jiayu Peng
- & Yang Shao-Horn
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Article |
Free energy difference to create the M-OH* intermediate of the oxygen evolution reaction by time-resolved optical spectroscopy
Theoretical descriptors differentiate catalytic activity for oxygen evolution reaction by the strength of oxygen binding in the reactive intermediate created upon electron transfer. Picosecond optical spectra of the Ti-OH* population on doped SrTiO3 are now shown to be ordered by surface hydroxylation.
- Ilya Vinogradov
- , Suryansh Singh
- & Tanja Cuk
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Article |
Oxygen-evolving catalytic atoms on metal carbides
Metal oxides or carbonaceous supported atomic metal sites coordinated by oxygen or heteroatoms exhibit enhanced electrocatalytic activity. Stabilization of single-atom catalysts on tungsten carbides without heteroatom coordination for efficient oxygen evolution reaction is demonstrated.
- Shuang Li
- , Bingbing Chen
- & Arne Thomas
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Letter |
Unlocking synergy in bimetallic catalysts by core–shell design
Nanomaterials may present interesting catalytic properties, but well-defined model systems are rare. Here, a Au–Pd core–shell catalyst is investigated for selective hydrogenation of butadiene, with shell-thickness-dependent catalytic activity, high selectivity and activity 50 times greater than that of alloyed counterparts.
- Jessi E. S. van der Hoeven
- , Jelena Jelic
- & Petra E. de Jongh
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Tuning electrochemically driven surface transformation in atomically flat LaNiO3 thin films for enhanced water electrolysis
Structure–activity relationships built on descriptors of surfaces can help to design electrocatalysts, but their identification for electrochemically driven surface transformations is challenging. The composition of LaNiO3 thin film surfaces can now dictate surface transformation and activity of the oxygen evolution reaction.
- Christoph Baeumer
- , Jiang Li
- & William C. Chueh
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Article |
Cofactor-free oxidase-mimetic nanomaterials from self-assembled histidine-rich peptides
Self-assembling, histidine-rich peptides with similar catalytic functions as those of haem-dependent peroxidases are reported. These findings may have implications for the design of cofactor-free catalytic nanomaterials.
- Qing Liu
- , Kaiwei Wan
- & Baoquan Ding
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News & Views |
Look beneath the surface
Zeolitic catalyst particles are grown with nanosized fins that improve mass transport into the interior of the particle. This delays catalyst deactivation in the methanol-to-hydrocarbons process.
- German Sastre
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Perspective |
Towards a better understanding of Lewis acidic aluminium in zeolites
Lewis acid aluminium sites in zeolites enable some industrially relevant catalytic reactions, such as biomass valorization. This Perspective explores the origin and interpretation of these species, and discusses characterization techniques that can close knowledge gaps.
- Manoj Ravi
- , Vitaly L. Sushkevich
- & Jeroen A. van Bokhoven
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Article |
Insight into the effects of confined hydrocarbon species on the lifetime of methanol conversion catalysts
The methanol-to-hydrocarbons reaction on zeolites produces olefins from many sources, but catalyst stability is a major challenge. Here, by combining operando measurements and simulations, the formation and identification of deactivating carbonaceous species throughout the reaction are achieved.
- I. Lezcano-Gonzalez
- , E. Campbell
- & A. M. Beale
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Article |
Finned zeolite catalysts
Nanosized zeolites enable better catalytic performance; however, their synthesis is non-trivial. Here, a simple treatment is presented that enables the growth of nanosized fins on zeolites that act as pseudo-nanoparticles, reducing deactivation rates for methanol-to-hydrocarbon catalysis.
- Heng Dai
- , Yufeng Shen
- & Jeffrey D. Rimer
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Article |
P-block single-metal-site tin/nitrogen-doped carbon fuel cell cathode catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction
For oxygen reduction and hydrogen oxidation reactions, proton-exchange membrane fuel cells typically rely on precious-metal-based catalysts. A p-block single-metal-site tin/nitrogen-doped carbon is shown to exhibit promising electrocatalytic and fuel cell performance.
- Fang Luo
- , Aaron Roy
- & Peter Strasser
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Article |
Atomic-level tuning of Co–N–C catalyst for high-performance electrochemical H2O2 production
Producing H2O2 electrochemically currently use electrocatalysts that are insufficient to meet the demands for industrialization. A single-atom electrocatalyst with an optimized Co–N4 moiety incorporated in nitrogen-doped graphene is shown to exhibit enhanced performance for H2O2 production.
- Euiyeon Jung
- , Heejong Shin
- & Taeghwan Hyeon
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News & Views |
Torn between two sites
Mild Lewis and Brønsted acid sites within the confined porous structure of a Nb–Al-containing zeolite work in co-operation to efficiently break down bio-based γ-valerolactone to butenes.
- Baira Donoeva
- & Krijn P. de Jong
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Letter |
Engineering stable electrocatalysts by synergistic stabilization between carbide cores and Pt shells
Using core–shell particles represents an effective design strategy for improving the performance of noble metal catalysts, but their stabilities can suffer during reactions. Atomically thin Pt shells are shown to stabilize titanium tungsten carbide cores, even at highly oxidizing potentials.
- Daniel Göhl
- , Aaron Garg
- & Marc Ledendecker
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Article |
Quantitative production of butenes from biomass-derived γ-valerolactone catalysed by hetero-atomic MFI zeolite
Production of olefins from biomass-derived γ-valerolactone could lead to sustainable chemical processes, but catalysts suffer from deactivation due to water. Here, a MFI-type zeolite doped with Nb(v) and Al(iii) shows >99% yield at 320 °C and catalyst stability over 180 hours.
- Longfei Lin
- , Alena M. Sheveleva
- & Sihai Yang
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Letter |
Zirconium nitride catalysts surpass platinum for oxygen reduction
Platinum catalysts are widely used for oxygen reduction reactions in electrochemical devices but scalability is restricted by scarcity, cost and vulnerability to poisoning. Zirconium nitride nanoparticles now exhibit an oxygen reduction performance with similar activity to that of Pt on carbon.
- Yao Yuan
- , Jiacheng Wang
- & Minghui Yang
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Letter |
Ultrahigh-current-density niobium disulfide catalysts for hydrogen evolution
Metallic transition metal dichalcogenides are promising catalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions but their performances are still lower than industrial Pt and Ir electrolysers. The metallic 2H phase of niobium disulfide now exhibits enhanced current densities versus a reversible hydrogen electrode.
- Jieun Yang
- , Abdul Rahman Mohmad
- & Manish Chhowalla
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Article |
Bio-inspired hydrophobicity promotes CO2 reduction on a Cu surface
Aqueous electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 into alcohol and hydrocarbon fuels is a sustainable route towards energy-rich chemical feedstocks. A superhydrophobic surface of hierarchically structured Cu dendrites exhibits a significant increase in CO2 reduction selectivity.
- David Wakerley
- , Sarah Lamaison
- & Victor Mougel
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Article |
Dynamic charge and oxidation state of Pt/CeO2 single-atom catalysts
The catalytic activity of metals supported on oxides depends on charge and oxidation states, but charge transfer at the interface is not well understood. A model investigating the dynamic charges and oxidation states of Pt/CeO2 single-atom catalysts now clarifies the nature of the active site.
- Nathan Daelman
- , Marçal Capdevila-Cortada
- & Núria López
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News & Views |
Stable platinum in a zeolite channel
Highly stable and active Pt–Sn sub-nanometre clusters are located in sinusoidal zeolite channels, leading to improved and more stable propane dehydrogenation catalysts.
- Bert M. Weckhuysen
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Article |
Regioselective generation and reactivity control of subnanometric platinum clusters in zeolites for high-temperature catalysis
Subnanometre Pt clusters show high catalytic activity, but can sinter and so reduce reactivity. Here, authors localize Pt clusters in one zeolite channel, preventing sintering and allowing highly stable and selective catalytic propane dehydrogenation.
- Lichen Liu
- , Miguel Lopez-Haro
- & Avelino Corma
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Article |
Resorcinol–formaldehyde resins as metal-free semiconductor photocatalysts for solar-to-hydrogen peroxide energy conversion
Generation of hydrogen peroxide from water and dioxygen is promising for artificial photosynthesis but photocatalysts suffer from low efficiency. Resorcinol–formaldehyde resins exhibit stable H2O2 generation with more than 0.5% solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency.
- Yasuhiro Shiraishi
- , Takahiro Takii
- & Takayuki Hirai
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News & Views |
Catalytic sites are finally in sight
Controlled Pt loading on TiO2 nanoparticles enables single-site catalysts. With this, the coordination environment and catalytic activity can be obtained, allowing extraction of structure-function information.
- E. Charles H. Sykes
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Letter |
Oxysulfide photocatalyst for visible-light-driven overall water splitting
The instability of sulfide ions during water oxidation prevents simultaneous evolution of hydrogen and oxygen. An oxysulfide semiconductor photocatalyst, Y2Ti2O5S2, is shown to evolve H2 and O2 via a water-splitting reaction under visible-light irradiation.
- Qian Wang
- , Mamiko Nakabayashi
- & Kazunari Domen
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Letter |
In situ probing electrified interfacial water structures at atomically flat surfaces
Interfacial water structures in electric double layers under bias potentials can impact the electrochemical performance of electrodes. Two structural transitions of interfacial water at electrified Au single-crystal electrode surfaces have now been identified.
- Chao-Yu Li
- , Jia-Bo Le
- & Zhong-Qun Tian
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Article |
Structural evolution of atomically dispersed Pt catalysts dictates reactivity
Oxide-supported isolated Pt-group metal atoms as catalytic active sites are of interest because of their unique reactivity. Isolated Pt species are now shown to adopt a range of local coordination environments and oxidation states in response to environmental conditions.
- Leo DeRita
- , Joaquin Resasco
- & Phillip Christopher
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Article |
Site-selective CO disproportionation mediated by localized surface plasmon resonance excited by electron beam
Plasmonic catalysis is believed to be mediated by energy transfer from nanoparticles to adsorbed molecules. Localized surface plasmon resonance on gold nanoparticles excited by electron beam is shown to drive site-selective CO disproportionation at room temperature.
- Wei-Chang D. Yang
- , Canhui Wang
- & Renu Sharma
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Article |
Surface distortion as a unifying concept and descriptor in oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalysis
Tuning surface structure is key for electrocatalytic performance and stability of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells. Surface distortion as a structural descriptor can help to clarify the role of surface defects and to design enhanced nanocatalysts.
- Raphaël Chattot
- , Olivier Le Bacq
- & Frédéric Maillard
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Letter |
Electrifying model catalysts for understanding electrocatalytic reactions in liquid electrolytes
Fundamental understanding of electrocatalysis is key to a transition to renewable energy systems. A strategy to ‘electrify’ complex oxide-based model catalysts is now proposed to explore electrocatalytic reactions in liquid electrolytes.
- Firas Faisal
- , Corinna Stumm
- & Jörg Libuda
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News & Views |
Uniformity begets selectivity
A Pd4 cluster, supported by a metal–organic framework and formed by post-synthesis methods, shows high catalytic activity and selectivity for carbene-mediated reactions. This crystallographically precise material may lead to a large class of catalysts.
- Dong Yang
- & Bruce C. Gates
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Article |
The MOF-driven synthesis of supported palladium clusters with catalytic activity for carbene-mediated chemistry
Mixed-valence clusters of Pd4 organized within a metal–organic framework exhibit robust catalytic capacities during carbene-mediated chemical reactions.
- Francisco R. Fortea-Pérez
- , Marta Mon
- & Emilio Pardo
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Article |
Dynamic restructuring drives catalytic activity on nanoporous gold–silver alloy catalysts
Dynamic restructuring behaviour and composition changes in bimetallic and nanoporous gold–silver alloys correlate to catalytic activity.
- Branko Zugic
- , Lucun Wang
- & Cynthia M. Friend
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Article |
A multifunctional biphasic water splitting catalyst tailored for integration with high-performance semiconductor photoanodes
In photosynthesis the oxidation of water is a requirement for providing sufficient protons and electrons for fuel formation. A biphasic water splitting catalyst tailored for integration with high-performance semiconductor photoanodes is now reported.
- Jinhui Yang
- , Jason K. Cooper
- & Ian D. Sharp
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Article |
Generation of subnanometric platinum with high stability during transformation of a 2D zeolite into 3D
Encapsulation of single-atom and particulate gold within growing zeolite frameworks generates active catalysts with exceptionally high thermal stability.
- Lichen Liu
- , Urbano Díaz
- & Avelino Corma
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Article |
Anisotropic phase segregation and migration of Pt in nanocrystals en route to nanoframe catalysts
Anisotropic phase segregation and migration of Pt in nanocrystals is important in designing enhanced catalysts. Insight into the mechanism of Pt–Ni rhombic dodecahedra growth may provide a way to produce nanocatalysts with improved performance.
- Zhiqiang Niu
- , Nigel Becknell
- & Peidong Yang
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Article |
Proton transfer dynamics control the mechanism of O2 reduction by a non-precious metal electrocatalyst
Controlling proton-coupled electron transfer reactions—an important process for fuel cells—can be challenging. Lipid-modified electrodes are now used to modulate proton transport to a Cu-based catalyst that facilitates oxygen reduction reactions.
- Edmund C. M. Tse
- , Christopher J. Barile
- & Andrew A. Gewirth
Metal bond strength regulation enables large-scale synthesis of intermetallic nanocrystals for practical fuel cells
Setting stable catalysts